Press Release:El Salvador ‘s Two Biggest Gangs Call A Truce

The Transnational
Advisory Group in Support of the Peace Process In El Salvador

International community Base Organizations, Clergy, Gang Interventionist, individuals have come together in support of the peace process, Bishop Fabio Colindres and Former El Salvador Congressman Raul Mijango have mediated truce with two of the El Salvador biggest gangs; MS13 and 18th Street gangs.

The 1992 El Salvador Peace Accords ended a devastating decade long civil war. Signed between El Salvador’s Armed Forces and the FMLN guerrilla fighters, the country looked forward to peace, rebuilding and prospering. Unfortunately, no one could predict the devastating impact that mass deportation of people from the U.S. to El Salvador would have on the transnational community. El Salvador did not have the social or economic infrastructure to help people transition from war time to peace time nor did it have the resources to help recently arrived deportees. The disenfranchisement of young people and gang-identified youth has resulted in high levels of crime, growth of gangs, and unemployment.

This March, two of the largest gangs in El Salvador called a truce. They have acknowledged all the pain they have
brought on the population and themselves and have accepted responsibility. The Peace Process has reduced violence by 65% throughout El Salvador. This effort is not one sided or a simple task. With support of church communities, government and the civilian population, we can create a strategy that is inclusive of all. All in the name of peace. The Transnational Advisory Group in Support of the Peace Process In El Salvador has formed to be an international observer to this process, to assure the safety of all involved and to bring together resources to help in the short and long term goals of the peace
process.